Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
I am starting to see a shift in IPA’s where there is a huge IPA with multiple hops and then a fruit is added too.
Recent example being the collaboration between Anderson Valley Brewing with Sudwerk Brewing that has three hops, clocks in at 8 1/2% and has apricots. Maybe those three hops gave a hint of the stonefruit and more was desired?
Let’s stay with the winter theme with a classic California seasonal from Anderson Valley.
Described by the brewery as having “Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.”
Taste off time! Two Goses go into the ring and only one comes out the winner.
In one corner, we have the Briney Melon from Anderson Valley Brewing v. the other time from Sierra Nevada.
Otra Vez
Pours a pretty a bubbly light yellow but then darkens to a big of a urine color. This has a tang to it right off the bat as the salt and citrus hit the palate. Quite spritzy. Grain taste tucked away shows up at the end. Which is where the prickly pear also shows up along with more grapefruit. All the ingredients listed make a distinct appearance.
Briney Melon
Jolly Rancher here and in full effect. The aroma is a bit off putting but there is watermelon in there. Really more tart than OV with less salt that might have balanced this out. The watermelon is quite fake tasting to me and the taste really sticks to the roof of the mouth.
The clear winner is the Sierra Nevada. It shows off each ingredient without lessening the impact of the other while still being close to the base style as well.
Anderson Valley Brewing has a link with Wild Turkey which allows them access to barrels consistently which is great since we live in a world where barrel brokers are needed because of high/high demand and lower supply. Which brings us to their Pinchy Jeek Barl, their autumnal pumpkin meets Wild Turkey ale. Check the video for my review:
This month I bring you some fall seasonals. Two from either ends of the great state of California and one from where this whole Oktoberfest tradition began, Germany.
Sean suggests for September 2012
Just click that link twice to get a handy print out to guide your beer shopping.
And speaking of beer shopping, if you are based in L.A. like I am, you can turn your beer purchases into a free L.A. Beer Week hat! Bottle shops around town will be selling specially stickered bottles or you can pick up a logo’d cap like Eagle Rock or Browerij West and if you collect 12, you can turn them in for a cap. Caps for Caps.
A great chance to help one of my favorite charities and one that I have volunteered for in the past and will volunteer for again in the future…
Here are the details from the e-mail press release:
“The First Annual Harvest Beer Fest, sponsored in part by Spaceland Productions, along with Anderson Valley Brewing Co., El Prado & Malo Restaurant, will be held at the Echoplex & Echo bringing together the best in LA-based food trucks, entertainment and over 50 West Coast and national brews. Local favorite bands such as Vaud & the Villains, Shannon & the Clams, Blasting Company, and Last Round Down will provide live entertainment throughout the day, and ticket sale proceeds will benefit 826LA.
The Harvest Beer Fest is 21+ for entry; attendees must bring a valid ID for entry into the event.
General Admission: $30/person; includes unlimited sample sized pours. Food is available for purchase from food trucks at the event.”
Go to Ticketweb.com to purchase